*The opinions expressed within the content are solely the author’s and do not reflect the website’s or its affiliates’ opinions and beliefs.
In today’s world of technology, it is getting far more difficult to navigate through life because of society’s growing complexity. While new technologies and innovations improve our society, they also make it harder by creating new problems. How do some individuals struggle while others emerge stronger? Is resilience, a person’s ability to bounce back from setbacks, a genetic trait that one is born with, or a skill that can be learned?
Resilience encompasses many cognitive, emotional and social skills that allow people to navigate and recover from challenges. It is not only about enduring hardships, but also your ability to positively get back on track. While some people may have a natural ability to be resilient, the majority can train their abilities through targeted interventions. For example, Dr. Dennis Charney and Dr. Steven Southwick, renowned experts in resilience research, have identified several characteristics of resilient people and how you can have them too.
Resilience is often depicted as a trait that some people just possess naturally, and some evidence suggests that it is; however, it can also be developed through consistent effort and strategies. Dr. Charney and Dr. Southwick’s research highlights that resilient individuals typically have a set of behaviors or attitudes that can be cultivated, like optimism, emotional regulation and a strong sense of purpose. These people were not born with these traits but developed them through nurturing and strengthening them over time with the right systems in place.
One key factor in building resilience is obtaining a growth mindset. Psychologist Carol Dweck suggests that people who believe that abilities and intelligence can be developed through setbacks and difficult challenges that require perseverance. Like building a muscle, resilience, too, can become one of your strongest traits through a simple mindset shift. Additionally, research conducted by the American Psychological Association emphasizes the importance of social connections in building resilience. They say that strong relationships with family, friends or other guardians can provide you with emotional support and resources that can aid individuals in times of hardship. This allows your brain to accept hardships and learn how to overcome them the next time.
Debates over whether resilience is an innate trait or a learned skill are often framed as an either-or scenario. Some argue that resilience is a genetic factor, and early experiences certainly shape an individual’s starting point; however, they do not dictate their entire life trajectory. The combination of natural ability and learned coping skills may also contribute to resilience.
In contrast, there are resilience training programs in various fields in the corporate world. Where employees are required to have skillsets such as leadership, emotional management and perseverance, these programs are very beneficial in helping build resilience. These programs were designed through evidence-based techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive restructuring and stress management strategies. For example, the Resilience Project, which was run by several Australian schools, taught students to be more aware of their emotions, practice gratitude and take action toward solving difficult situations. The results of the program have shown positive outcomes in increasing students’ overall well-being and their ability to handle stress.
In conclusion, resilience is likely both a trait and a skill — a combination of innate factors and learned abilities. While genetics and early life experiences undoubtedly influence how individuals respond to adversity, there is considerable evidence to suggest that resilience can be nurtured through targeted interventions. Building resilience through practices like mindfulness, social support and a growth mindset can help individuals navigate the increasingly complex and challenging world around them.
